Coaster for shielding against crawling arthropods

ABSTRACT

A holder for isolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving member for retaining an article in a position removed from a surface. A crawling arthropod-deterring component is applied at least adjacent to lower periphery of the receiving member. A base situated below the receiving member supports and stabilizes the receiving member and distributes a load applied by the retained article.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 09/690,491, filed Oct. 17,2000;

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/203,202, filed May 11, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to pest management and moreparticularly to controlling a route of travel of crawling vermin,particularly crawling arthropods (including crawling insects) byinterrupting their route of travel.

The present invention provides a safe, ecological approach tocontrolling arthropods. It promotes environmentally-sound methods thatemploy point source (e.g., point of entry) physical and biologicalcontrols versus sole reliance on atomizing, spraying, and broadcastingof chemicals to keep crawling pest populations at tolerable levels. Theinvention also avoids the mess and toxic exposure associated with priorart pest management apparatus, systems and methods. It also satisfiesthe U.S. Government's mandate of a 50% reduction in the use of sprayedand broadcasted chemicals by the year 2000.

Crawling insect arthropods can cause serious damage in a variety ofdifferent environments. For example, crawling arthropods can bite and/orcause the spread of disease among humans and animals. The pests can alsocrawl into enclosed spaces where they congregate, nest, and excretefecal matter, all of which can clog and disrupt the efficient operationof equipment. For example, arthropods can invade and clog virtually anytype of conduit as well as telephone junction boxes, electrical boxes,or any enclosed space. Furthermore, crawling arthropods, such as ants,are a problem in that they crawl to invade unenclosed areas where theyare unwanted, in or out of doors. Some of the arthropods spread diseasewhile others bite or sting humans and animals. There is a need toprevent ants and other crawling arthropods from progressing in theirroute of travel to spaces or areas where they are unwanted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a novelbarrier against arthropods or other vermin from crawling unto an object.

In accordance with a more limited aspect of the invention, a holder forisolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving memberfor retaining an article in a position removed from a surface. Acrawling arthropod deterring component is applied at least adjacent alower periphery of the receiving member. A base, situated below thereceiving member, supports and stabilizes the receiving member anddistributes a load applied by the retained article.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a holder forisolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving memberthat is adapted for retaining an article in a position removed from asurface. The receiving member includes a facade that defines an openingtherethrough. An axial connector extends down from the opening definedin the receiving member facade and terminates in a base. The basesupports and stabilizes the receiving member. An arthropod deterringcomponent is applied to or on an underside of the facade for impeding aroute of travel of crawling arthropods. A separately removable adapterwhich has a plug portion is adapt ed for engaging receipt within theaxial connector.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is amethod for impeding a route of travel of crawling arthropods. Anarthropod deterring component is applied to a receiving member supportedby a base. The arthropod deterring component is shielded fromenvironment factors. An object that is to be protected from crawlingarthropods is supported by the receiving member. Crawling arthropods aredeterred from progressing to the object because the arthropod deterringcomponent is placed in their route of travel to the object.

A principal advantage the invention is that by appropriate placement ofthe device, one is able to interrupt the route of travel of crawlingarthropods so that they are unable to travel into areas or onto surfaceswhere they are unwanted.

Another advantage of the invention is that only a minimum amount ofarthropod deterring ingredient is required. Preferably, the arthropoddeterring ingredient is impregnated into an expandable soft polymericmaterial which is applied to the underside of the receiving member.

Yet another advantage of the invention resides in the versatility of thedevice. The device can be used in a variety of situations and to protecta wide variety of objects from arthropod infestation. Various adapterscan be used to accommodate differently shaped objects or articles.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is its ability to detercrawling arthropods and impede their route of travel. The device isportable and can be moved from place to place without destroying orinterrupting the effect of the active ingredient.

The barrier of the present invention is long lasting and provides aneconomical alternative to prior art methods for controlling crawlingarthropods in specific areas at point source. It can be used to preventarthropods from crawling onto cots, bed frames, barbecue grills,incubators, food preparation tables, pellets, picnic tables, outdoorfurniture, laboratory storage or rearing racks, banquet tables, playpens, cribs and nursery room furniture, pet food bowls, and a multitudeof other objects. It can also be used in recreation vehicle and campingapplications, for military applications as well as hospital andhealthcare applications. The provision of an adapter that conforms to anobject to be protected from crawling arthropods enables the base of thesubject invention to be applicable to any number of environments. Thedevice can be used in other situations not mentioned here.

Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding ofthe following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement ofparts, a preferred embodiment which will be described in detail in thespecification and illustrated in the accompanying drawing which form apart hereof

FIG. 1 sets forth an exploded side perspective view of a coaster forshielding against crawling arthropods;

FIG. 2 depicts an exploded cross-sectional side view of a coaster forshielding against crawling arthropods;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a coaster for shielding againstcrawling arthropods;

FIG. 4 shows the cross-sectional view displayed in FIG. 3, with a sidecross-sectional view of an adapter inserted therein;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a pet food bowl adapter and petfood bowl;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a caster adapter;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a shallow leg adapter;

FIGS. 8a-8 c show an alternative embodiment coaster device:

FIG. 8a shows a coaster in closed shipping formation;

FIG. 8b shows the device as it is being opened;

FIG. 8c shows a fully opened coaster device;

FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of a locking coaster arrangement;

FIGS. 10a-10 c show the alternative embodiment coaster of FIG. 9:

FIG. 10a shows the coaster in its closed shipping arrangement;

FIG. 10b shows the coaster of FIG. 10a in its partially openedarrangement; and

FIG. 10c shows the coaster of FIGS. 10a and 10 b in its fully opened andlocked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showing are for purposes ofillustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention only and not forpurposes of limiting same, the FIGURES show a coaster device used forshielding against crawling arthropods. The coaster interrupts a route oftravel of the crawling pests by deterring their progress. An arthropoddeterring component of the coaster device provides the primaryimpediment.

Directing attention first to FIG. 1, a coaster 10 for shielding againstcrawling arthropods is presented. The coaster is comprised of areceiving member 12 and the base member 14. The receiving membercomprises a generally flat facade 16 which defines an axial opening 18therethrough. The axial opening extends into an axial connector 20. Thebase 14 is comprised of a stabilizing portion 22, along with an axialconnector 24 extending upward therefrom. The axial connector 24 isdesigned to telescopically receive the first axial connector 20 thatextends from the receiving member. In the alternative, although notshown, it is equally foreseeable that the first axial connector 20 bewider than the second axial connector 24, such that the upper connectoris received over the lower axial connector.

There is no required shape for the connector. Although in FIG. 1 theapparatus is shown to be circular in cross-sectional configuration andcylindrical in overall shape, this is merely shown as a preferredexample. The shape of the coaster, coupled with the shape of the opening18 and the axial connector, may vary depending upon the eventualenvironment where the connector will be utilized. Typically, the shapeor configuration of the first axial connector 20 will be such that itreadily mates with the shape of the second axial connector 24. There isno limit to the shape of the connectors. They can be square, round,oval, oblong, oblique, curved, or of virtually any configuration thatsuitably enables the two connectors to mate.

With attention still on FIG. 1, an object to be protected from crawlingarthropods is shown in phantom at 26. For example, item 26 may be atable leg which is inserted into the opening 18 and supported by basemember 14, with stabilizing member 22.

Turning now to FIG. 2, an exploded cross-sectional view of the receivingmember and base member is shown. As will noted, axial connector 20 ishollow. This enables the receipt of an object therein through opening 18located at an upper end thereof Although not shown with a bottom wall,it is fully foreseeable that a lower portion of the axial connector 20could have a wall or floor positioned therein. In accordance with theopen-bottom connector 20 shown in FIG. 2, it objects received therein,if they do not rest on facade 16, are intended to rest on stabilizer 22.

A rim or shield 28 extends downward along a periphery of the receivingmember. Rim 28 is useful in shielding an arthropod deterring component30 applied along a lower surface of the receiving member, beneath thefacade 16.

As will be noted, the stabilizing portion 22 of base member 14 iscontinuous and solid while the second axial connector 24 extendingupwardly therefrom is open and hollow so that it can receive the firstaxial connector 20 therein. Hence, an object received through opening18, if configured such that it does not rest on facade 16, can rest onthe stabilizing portion 22.

Turning now to FIG. 3 there is shown a cross-sectional view of a coasterdevice or assembly in its operative form. The receiving member 12 isengagingly received by the base member 14. The first axial connector 20is received by the second axial connector 24 in an engaging relation.When an object or adapter is received through opening 18, thestabilizing portion 22 distributes the weight and offers stability tothe coaster device. The arthropod deterring component 30 is shown to becontinuous in an exposed region of the underside of the receivingmember. It is not necessary that it be continuous as it is foreseeablethat it can be short of or slightly removed from the axial connector 24and/or rim 28. The arthropod deterring component creates a vapor head inthe space or region 34 defined by rim 28, axial connector 24, and theunderside of facade 16.

The coaster serves to remove a protected object from a floor or table orother surface 32 upon which it rests. An arthropod crawling alongsurface 32, in order to reach an object 26 to be inserted in coaster 10would first have to crawl along the stabilizing 22 up and outer wall ofthe second axial connector 24 and then along the vermin deterringcomponent 30. The crawling arthropod will be deterred from reachingobject 26 either by direct connect with the arthropod deterringcomponent 30 or by the vapor head created in region 34.

Preferably, the arthropod deterring component is comprised of a soft,pliable polymer having a crawling arthropod deterring ingredient moldedtherein. Of course any suitable pliable material can be used.Preferably, a ring or circle of polymer molded with the deterringingredient placed within the receiving member and is held in place byadhesive, fasteners or other means or simply by friction fit. Thepreferred arthropod deterring component molded in the polymer ispermethrin, although any other deterring component or pesticide can beused. Alternatively, or in addition, it is foreseeable that theunderside of facade 16 be coated with a substance such as petroleumjelly, or with a slippery surface such as Teflong®. Sticky or slipperysurfaces provide deterring capabilities for crawling pests and can beused alone or in conjunction with permethrin or other pesticides.

An insecticide, pesticide, repellent or other arthropod-deterringingredient is molded directly in the pliable polymer material to providea constant time release emission of vapor from the ingredient. The levelof pesticide, insecticide, repellent or other arthropod-deterringingredient contained in the polymer is sufficiently low and there is nomore than minimal contact with human skin during installation, removal,adjustments or the like. However, there is sufficient amount ofinsecticide within the material to cause an instantaneous repelling oreven destruction of the crawling arthropod with which it comes intocontact. A vapor head produced by the active material is significantenough to deter or repel many crawling arthropods.

The arthropod deterring component can be simply coated to the undersideof facade 16 via an impregnated polymer. It can also be applied within acartridge or it can be painted or coated on the underside of the facade.

Rim 28 serves to shield the arthropod deterring component from theenvironment. It also serves to reduce, if not eliminate, possible humanor pet contact with the active ingredient. Furthermore, it prevents theingredient or component from being washed away in rain or dried fromdirect sunlight.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a coaster with receiving member12 and base member 14 engaged together as shown in FIG. 3, however, apallet adapter 36 is shown inserted in through opening 18 of first axialconnector 20. Pallet adapter plug 38 is shown inserted into an openingdefined by the first axial connector 20. The plug member is engaginglyreceived by said axial connector. There is no limitation as to the shapeof plug and adapter. Preferably, the plug and adapter are of compatibleconfigurations so that they can be suitably engaged. A pallet adapterretaining member 40 rests on the facade 16 of the receiving member. Theretaining member is preferably a solid or continuous surface which canhold a pallet thereon. The pallet adapter is designed to hold a palletload or other object, such as a box. Multiple coasters with palletadapters in place can be used to support a weight of a pallet load. Thecombination of the receiving member base and the pallet adapter removesa pallet or box from a floor, ground, or other surface and protects thepallet load from crawling arthropod infestation.

Alternative adapters are shown in FIGS. 5-7.

FIG. 5 shows a pet food bowl adapter 42. The adapter has a pet food bowladapter plug 43, which is adapted to be inserted into the axial opening18 and into the first axial connector 20. A shape of the plug shouldconform to the configuration of the axial opening and axial connector.Although shown in circular format, the configuration could be altered tovirtually any format. A plurality of fingers 44 together form a pet foodbowl adapter retaining member. The fingers are configured to hold a petfood bowl 46. The fingers 44 may be rigidly pliable, such as a wireconfiguration so that they can be adjusted to conform to the shape of apet food bowl. Or they can be formed from a variety of other materialsthat will hold a pet food bowl in place.

A caster adapter 48 is shown in FIG. 6. As with the other adapters, acaster adapter plug 50 is shown. The plug is adapted to be receivedthrough axial opening 18 defined in the receiving member 12. A casteradapter retaining member is shown at item 52 and such retaining memberdefines an opening therein 54 configured to receive a caster. A casteradapter is useful for backyard barbecue grills, garbage can trolleys,wheel barrels, or any device that rolls on casters or wheels.

Finally, FIG. 7 shows a shallow leg adapter 56, which includes a shallowadapter plug 58 and a shallow adapter retaining member 60. The shallowleg adapter defines an opening 62 which is relatively shallow ascompared to the coaster of FIGS. 1-4 where no adapter is shown . Theshallow leg adapter is particularly useful for front legs of carts thathave just two wheels, wherein the wheels are protected using the casteradapter.

FIGS. 8a-8 c show an alternative embodiment of the coaster. Here it isshown that the receiving member 70 and base member 72 are showninitially in a closed position of FIG. 8a. This is the format in whichthe coaster device can be packaged and/or shipped. By having thereceiving member closed to the base member, the shelf life of theproduct is improved. The arthropod deterring component is not exposed tothe air and therefor increases its shelf life.

FIG. 8b shows the unit of FIG. 8a in a partially opened position.Threads on an axial connector allow the elements to twist apart fromeach other, raising the receiving member away from the base.

Finally, FIG. 8c shows the receiving member and base member componentsin a fully open position. The embodiment of FIG. 8a, 8 b, and 8 cenables the adjustment in size and height of the coaster to serveparticular needs.

FIG. 9 shows yet another alternative embodiment of the coaster. Here,receiving member 80 is shown wherein grooves 82 are defined in firstaxial connector 84. Mating knobs 86 are situated along a lower axialconnector. The grooves 82 are “L” shaped and adapted to receive matingknobs 84. The vertical arm 88 of the grooves provides for the verticalmotion of the receiving member with respect to the base member. When themating knobs reaches the horizontal arm 90 of the grooves, the receivingmember and base member are turned in opposing directions such that theknobs lock into the horizontal section, preventing relative verticalmotion between the receiving member and base member.

The device of FIG. 9 is shown in its fully closed packaging or shippingposition in FIG. 10a. As shown in the closed position in FIG. 10a andsimilar to the preceeding embodiment, the rim of the receiving membercan abut against the base so that the arthropod deterring component isnot exposed to the air. As shown in FIG. 10b, the receiving member 80 israised straight up, such that the notches or knobs 86 remain in thevertical portion 88 of the grooves. As shown in FIG. 10c, the upperreceiving member is twisted to lock the retaining member in an openposition apart from the base. The knobs 86 are situated in thehorizontal section of the grooves. Grip members 92, 94 can be used toaid in the twisting motion. The locations of the parts in these figurescan also be reversed.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon reading and understanding of this specification. It isintended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far asthey come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentthereof

What is claimed is:
 1. A holder for protecting objects from crawlingarthropods, comprising: a coaster having an upper portion and a lowerportion, the coaster for supporting an object be protected; means fortwisting and pulling the upper portion and the lower portion relative toone another to allow for different heights between a closed position anda vertically raised position; an arthropod deterring material adjacentto the holder, for deterring crawling arthropods from passing from asurFace beneath the coaster to the object, the arthropod deterringmaterial being substantially exposed to surrounding air when the upperand lower portions are in the vertically raised position, and thearthropod deterring material not being substantially exposed to thesurrounding air when the upper and lower portions are in the closedposition; and a shield adjacent to the holder, wherein the arthropoddeterring material is attached to an undersurface of the shield so thatthe shield protects humans from coming into contact with the arthropoddeterring material.
 2. The holder of claim 1, wherein the twisting andpulling means includes: a protruding member; and a groove for receivinga portion of the protruding member.
 3. The holder of claim 2, whereinthe groove includes: a substantially L-shape.
 4. The holder of claim 1,wherein the twisting and pulling means includes: an exterior grippingmeans on at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion.
 5. Theholder of claim 1, wherein the upper portion includes: a receivingportion having an opening, the opening capable of receiving a portion ofa support member extending beneath the object.
 6. The holder of claim 1,wherein the upper portion of the coaster has a rim portion, the rimportion abutting against the lower portion in the closed position, andthe rim portion being separated from the lower portion in the verticallyraised position.
 7. A holder for isolating objects from crawlingarthropods, comprising in combination: an object to be protected; areceiving member beneath the object; a coaster member for supporting theobject from a surface; means for closing the receiving member to thecoaster member; means for locking the receiving member to a selectedheight relative to the coaster member where the receiving member isseparated from the coaster member; arthropod deterring material adjacentto the holder for deterring crawling arthropods from reaching theobject, the arthropod deterring material being substantially exposed tosurrounding air when the receiving member is at the selected heightrelative to the coaster member, and the arthropod deterring material notbeing substantially exposed to the surrounding air when the coastermember and the receiving member arc in a closed position; and a shieldadjacent to the holder, wherein the arthropod deterring material isattached to an undersurface of the shield so that the shield protectshumans from coming into contact with the arthropod deterring material.8. The holder of claim 7, wherein the object includes: a downwardprotruding member for supporting a portion of the object.
 9. The holderof claim 8, wherein the receiving member includes: an opening forreceiving a portion of the downward protruding member.
 10. The holder ofclaim 7, wherein the locking means includes: a groove; and a protrudingmember for sliding within the groove.
 11. The holder of claim 10,wherein the groove includes: a substantially L-shaped, wherein theprotruding member slides within the L-shaped groove.
 12. The holder ofclaim 7, wherein the receiving member has a rim portion, the rim portionabutting against the coaster member in the closed position, and the rimportion separated from the coaster member at the selected height.
 13. Amethod for impeding a route of travel of crawling arthropods fromreaching objects, comprising the steps of: providing a coaster on asurface beneath an object to be protected, the coaster having an upperportion and a lower portion; vertically pulling apart in a linearnon-twisting manner the upper portion and the lower portion relative toone another, to allow for the upper and lower portions to move from aclosed position to a different height position; deterring crawlingarthropods from progressing to the object from the surface by placing anarthropod deterring material adjacent to the coaster, the arthropoddeterring material being substantially exposed to surrounding air whenthe upper portion is at the different height position relative to thelower portion, and the arthropod determining material not beingsubstantially exposed to the surrounding air when the upper portion andthe lower portion are in the closed position; and protecting humancontact with the arthropod deterring material by applying the arthropoddeterring material to an undersurface of a shield located adjacent tothe coaster.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of:twisting at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion at thedifferent height position in a substantially horizontal directionrelative to one another, the horizontal direction being substantiallyparallel to the surface.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step oftwisting in the horizontal direction includes the step of: locking theupper portion and the lower portion at the different height position bysliding a protruding member within a substantially horizontal groove.16. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of pulling apart furtherincludes the step of: moving a protruding member within a substantiallyL-shaped groove having a vertical leg portion and a horizontal legportion.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the method furthercomprises the step of: abutting the upper portion of the coaster to thelower portion of the coaster in the closed position so the arthropoddeterring material is not exposed to the surrounding air.